G.r.i.d. (gradual resistance incremental demand) system

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a frame, such as shaped as a square or rectangle, and multiple elastic bands or tubes connected at either end to the frame, and apparatus to secure the frame vertically, such as against a wall.

FIELD

The field of the invention is exercise apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Conventional exercise tubes and bands fix the middle of an elasticcomponent and the user holds onto the ends of the elastic component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an exercise apparatus includes an equilateral frame thatincludes a plurality of inflexible members, each inflexible memberhaving a flexible member, wherein ends of the flexible members are fixedonly to ends of the inflexible members.

In a further aspect, an exercise apparatus includes a plurality ofsubstantially unbendable members, each member having a first end, amiddle and a second end, each substantially unbendable member having asubstantially elastic member with two ends, wherein both ends of thesubstantially unbendable member are fixed to the corresponding ends ofthe substantially elastic member, wherein the middle of thesubstantially elastic member is not fixed to the middle of thesubstantially unbendable member.

In another aspect, an exercise apparatus includes an elongated sectionthat includes a substantially unbendable member having a first end, amiddle and a second end; and a substantially elastic member having afirst end, a middle and a second end, wherein the first end of thesubstantially unbendable member being fixed to the first end of thesubstantially elastic member, wherein the second end of thesubstantially unbendable member being fixed to the second end of thesubstantially elastic member, wherein the middle of the substantiallyelastic member is not fixed to the middle of the substantiallyunbendable member.

Exercise apparatuses of varying scope are described herein. In additionto the aspects and advantages described in this summary, further aspectsand advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings and byreading the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to animplementation;

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagram of the exercise apparatus, according toan implementation;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to animplementation;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exercise apparatus, according to animplementation;

FIG. 5 is an isometric diagram of a member of the exercise apparatus,according to an implementation;

FIG. 6 is a front view block diagram of an exercise apparatus, accordingto an implementation;

FIG. 7 is a top view block diagram of the exercise apparatus, accordingto an implementation;

FIG. 8 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus,according to an implementation having a hook hold;

FIG. 9 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus,according to an implementation having knob fixation apparatus;

FIG. 10 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus, according toan implementation;

FIG. 11 is an isometric diagram of a frame junction of an exerciseapparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 12 is an isometric diagram of a hook hold fixation apparatus of anexercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 13 is an isometric diagram of a flexible member of an exerciseapparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 14 is an isometric diagram of a fixed attachment between canvasstraps and rubber or other elastic tubing of an exercise apparatus,according to an implementation;

FIG. 15 is an isometric diagram of a knob fixation apparatus of anexercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of flexible members of an exercise apparatus,according to an implementation;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a flexible member of an exerciseapparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method of installing the pressure mountedstorage apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment inwhich different implementations can be practiced; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a mobile device, according to animplementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific implementations that may be practiced.These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the implementations, and it is to beunderstood that other implementations may be utilized and that logical,mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the implementations. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The detailed description is divided into four sections. In the firstsection, apparatus described. In the second section, a method isdescribed. In the third section, a hardware and the operatingenvironment in conjunction with which implementations may be practicedare described. The fourth section, a conclusion of the detaileddescription is provided.

Apparatus

FIG. 1 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus 100, accordingto an implementation. Apparatus 100 includes a quadrilateral frame, oran equilateral frame, comprising a plurality of inflexible members 102,104, 106 and 108. Each inflexible member (102, 104, 106 and 108) has atleast one flexible or otherwise elastic member, 110, 112, 114 and 116.Ends of the flexible (110, 112, 114 and 116) members are fixed only toends of the inflexible members (102, 104, 106 and 108, respectively).One example of pairs of inflexible members and flexible members(102/110, 104/112, 106/114 and 108/116) is the member 500 in FIG. 5. Theelastic members 110, 112, 114 and 116 resist deformation and after beingreleased the elastic members 110, 112, 114 and 116 return to theiroriginal shape. In various implementations, the inflexible members aremade of wood, metal and/or plastic. In some implementations, no otherapparatus is attached to the exercise apparatus 100. The elastic members110, 112, 114 and 116 provide gradual resistance to incremental demand.The frame can be a quadrilateral frame or equilateral frame, as statedabove, and in addition the frame can be monolateral (as shown in FIG.5), triangular or square, pentalateral, septilateral, heptalateral,octalateral, nonalateral or decalateral.

Apparatus 100 provides versatility without adjusting or re-arrangingcomponents. Apparatus 100 is the opposite of conventional exerciseapparatus in which the flexible members of apparatus 100 are fixated atthe ends, thus apparatus 100 prompts the user to hold the middle of theelastic components. In addition, the apparatus 100 provides multipleplane resistance from at least two points of reference with twohorizontal and two vertical axes in a quadrilateral format with whichthe user can also choose the level of resistance by selecting a singleelastic chord of specific gauge or combinations there-of

Apparatus 100 can be converted to a conventional “single end attachment”exercise apparatus. Apparatus 100 inverts the conventional utility ofthe therapeutic and physical conditioning materials, rendering apparatus100 as unique. Apparatus 100 also does not require adjustment in anyway, in comparison to conventional exercise apparatus that requiresvariance of tension components. In apparatus 100, the elastic components110, 112, 114 and 116 are fastened to the rigid /mountable components102, 104, 106 and 108 in such a way that the elastic components 110,112, 114 and 116 can be easily be un-fixated and used as a conventionalsingle point attachment device in which only one of the elasticcomponents 102, 104, 106 and 108 is attached the rigid /mountablecomponents 102, 104, 106 and 108, that in turn could be held, orfastened to the user(s) device(s) for holding (handles belts etc. thatmay currently exist on the market). In addition apparatus 100 provideseasy replacement of parts and provides versatility in varyingarrangements of mixed tensions of the elastic components 110, 112, 114and 116.

In apparatus 100, by fixating the ends of the elastic tubes and pullingfrom the middle (rather than the current utility of fixating the middleand pulling from the ends) a multi-directional resistance can begenerated into any previously existing single point exercise

The equilateral frame in apparatus 100 allows for both resistive andassistive forces without any adjustment. The equilateral frame has allsides of the same length.

Apparatus 100 can condition the vestibular system with decreased risk offalling and provide muscle conditioning simultaneously needed forproprioceptive rehabilitation. Apparatus 100 is cost effective, andunparalleled in its combination of versatility and simplicity.

Apparatus 100 is superior to any pulley system of isotonic design.Apparatus 100 creates push or pull tri-plane resistance for any exercisetargeting any combination or order of sagittal, coronal and transverseplanes of movement.

Apparatus 100 allows muscle re-education and proper muscle recruitmentorder post injury. For example Apparatus 100 can inhibit the deltoidthrough reciprocal inhibition while inducing retraction, internalrotation/external rotation in the rotator cuff muscles and consequentlybetter targeting of the deeper muscles that produce retraction, internalrotation.

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagram of the exercise apparatus 100, accordingto an implementation. Apparatus 100 includes a quadrilateral framecomprising a plurality of inflexible members 102 and 106. Eachinflexible member (102 and 106) has at least one flexible member 110 and114. Ends of the flexible (110 and 114) members are fixed only to endsof the inflexible members (102 and 106, respectively).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exercise apparatus 300, according to animplementation. Apparatus 300 includes a quadrilateral frame comprisinga plurality of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 3, the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and108 are 4 feet to 7 feet long. Each inflexible member (102, 104, 106 and108) has at least one flexible member, 110, 112, 114 and 116. Cornerextensions 302, 304, 306 and 308 are wall mount apparatus. The thinnerblack lines in the flexible members 110, 112, 114 and 116 are elasticchords of various gauges for variable resistance. The flexible members110, 112, 114 and 116 have unequal elasticity to each other. The variousgauges allow a large variety of different exercises without need toadjust anything. For example, in some implementations, the flexiblemembers 110, 112, 114 and 116 are rubber tubing that is currentlymanufactured by several corporations (e.g. SPRI Products, Inc., 1769Northwind Blvd., Libertyville, Ill. 60048) that include end straps andhandles (not shown in FIG. 3). The end straps would remain but withoutplastic handle component so the canvas strap material could easily belooped and fastened to the frame for quick assembly or replacement. Thecombination of several gages of resistive material on the frame allowsfor large spectrum resistance/assistance forces without any deviceadjustments

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exercise apparatus 300, according to animplementation. Apparatus 300 includes a quadrilateral frame comprisinga plurality of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 4, the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and108 are 2 inch×4 inch plywood. Each inflexible member (102, 104, 106 and108) has at least one flexible member 110, 112, 114 and 116.

FIG. 5 is an isometric diagram of a member 500 of the exerciseapparatus, according to an implementation of elastic bands around aperimeter of a rigid structure. Member 500 is an elongated section of anexercise apparatus. Member 500 includes an inflexible member 502 thathas a first end 504, a middle 506 and a second end 508. The inflexiblemember 502 is unbendable. A flexible member 510 has a first end 512, amiddle 514 and a second end 516. The flexible member 510 is elastic. Thefirst end 504 of the inflexible member 502 is fixed to the first end 512of the flexible member 510. The second end 508 of the inflexible member502 is fixed to the second end 516 of the flexible member 510. Themiddle 514 of the flexible member 510 is not fixed to the middle 506 ofthe inflexible member 502. In some implementations, inflexible member502 is a substantially inflexible member. In some implementations,flexible member 510 is a substantially flexible member. Flexible member510 is one example of flexible members 110, 112, 114 and 116. Inflexiblemember 502 is one example of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108.

Apparatus 500 fixates the ends 504, 508, 512 and 516 and the user pullsfrom the middle 514 of the flexible member 51. There are several to manyalternatives of fixation but any variation utilizing the quadrilateraldesign or similar utility variation and/or multi-directional combinationof fixating the ends 504, 508, 512 and 516 and pulling from the middle514 is a unique principle associated with this apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a front view block diagram of an exercise apparatus 600,according to an implementation. Fixation apparatus 602, 604, 606 and 608fix the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108 to the flexible members110, 112, 114 and 116. In the implementation shown in FIG. 6, thefixation apparatus can be any one of a hook, a knob, or an eye hook. Inthe implementation shown in FIG. 6, the inflexible members 102, 104, 106and 108 are 2 inch×4 inch plywood but other implementations include 2inch×6 inch plywood.

FIG. 7 is a top view block diagram of the exercise apparatus 600,according to an implementation. Knob fixation apparatus 602 fixes theinflexible members (not shown in FIG. 7) to the flexible member 110. Inthe implementation shown in FIG. 6, the fixation apparatus is a knob602. In the implementation shown in FIG. 6, the inflexible member 102 is2 inch×4 inch plywood and the inflexible members 104 and 108 include 2inch×6 inch plywood.

FIG. 8 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus 800,according to an implementation having a hook hold. In the implementationshown in FIG. 8, the fixation apparatus is a hook hold. Fixationapparatus 802, 804, 806 and 808 fix the flexible members (not shown inFIG. 8) to the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108.

FIG. 9 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus 900,according to an implementation having knob fixation apparatus. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 9, the fixation apparatus is a knob. Theknob fixation apparatus 902, 904, 906 and 908 fix the flexible members(not shown in FIG. 9) to the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108.2″ lag bolts attach the inflexible member (not shown). Exerciseapparatus 900 also includes screw holes 910 into which screws 912 can beinserted to attach the exercise apparatus 900 to a wall or otherimmovable object. The screws extend through the opposite side or facefrom the side that flexible members can be mounted). In theimplementation shown in FIG. 9, the horizontal inflexible members 102and 106 of the exercise apparatus 900 are 2″×4″ wood studs and thevertical inflexible members 104 and 108 of the exercise apparatus 900are 2″×6″ in dimension.

FIG. 10 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus 1000, accordingto an implementation. Apparatus 1000 includes a quadrilateral framecomprising a plurality of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. Eachinflexible member (102, 104, 106 and 108) has at least one flexiblemember, 110, 112, 114 and 116. Ends of the flexible (110, 112, 114 and116) members are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members (102, 104,106 and 108, respectively). In the implementation shown in FIG. 10, thehorizontal inflexible members 102 and 106 of the exercise apparatus 1000are 2″×4″ wood studs and the vertical inflexible members 104 and 108 ofthe exercise apparatus 1000 are 2″×6″. 2″ lag bolts 1002 attach theinflexible members.

FIG. 11 is an isometric diagram of a frame junction of an exerciseapparatus 1100, according to an implementation. Apparatus 1100 shows thejunction of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 or 108 of an equilateralframe, such as the junction of the 2″×4″ wood stud horizontal inflexiblemembers 102 and 106 and the 2″×4″ wood studs vertical inflexible members104 and 108 of the exercise apparatus 900 or 1000. The inflexiblemembers 102 and 106 are attached to the vertical inflexible members 104and 108 via 4″ lag bolts 1102 and 1104.

FIG. 12 is an isometric diagram of a hook hold fixation apparatus of anexercise apparatus 1200, according to an implementation. Apparatus 1200shows an inflexible member 102, 104, 106 or 108 of an equilateral frame,such as 2″×4″ wood stud horizontal inflexible member 102 or 106. Hookhold fixation apparatus 802, 804, 806 or 808 is fixedly mounted in theinflexible member 102, 104, 106 or 108. Ends of the flexible members(110, 112, 114 or 116) are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members(102, 104, 106 and 108, respectively).

FIG. 13 is an isometric diagram of a flexible member of an exerciseapparatus 1300, according to an implementation. Flexible member 1300 isone example of flexible member 110, 112, 114 or 116 as shown in FIG. 12.Flexible member 1300 includes two, and only two, canvas straps 1302 and1304 fixedly attached by a rubber or other elastic tubing 1306. Thefixed attachment 1308 between the canvas straps 1302 and 1304 and therubber or other elastic tubing 1306 is described in greater detail inFIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is an isometric diagram of a fixed attachment between canvasstraps and rubber or other elastic tubing of an exercise apparatus 1400,according to an implementation. The fixed attachment 1400 is one exampleof the fixed attachment 1308 in FIG. 13. The fixed attachment 1400includes the rubber or other elastic tubing 1306 that passes through areinforced donut passageway 1402 through canvas straps 1302 or 1304. Thefixed attachment 1400 also includes an end stopper 1404 positioned in aflanged end 1406 of the rubber or other elastic tubing 1306 to theextent that the outside diameter of the flanged end 1406 is greater thanthe inside diameter of the reinforced donut passageway 1402, thuspreventing the flanged end 1406 from being pulled through the reinforceddonut passageway 1402. The end 1408 of the rubber or other elastictubing 1306 is taped or sealed in some way to prevent the end stopper1404 from being pushed out the end 1408 of the rubber or other elastictubing 1306.

FIG. 15 is an isometric diagram of a knob fixation apparatus of anexercise apparatus 1500, according to an implementation. The knobfixation apparatus 1500 is one example of the knob fixation apparatus902, 904, 906 and 908 in FIG. 9. The knob fixation apparatus 1500 fixesthe inflexible member 102, 104, 106 or 108 to the flexible member 110,112, 114 or 116. The knob fixation apparatus 1500 includes one or moreknobs 1502.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of flexible members of an exercise apparatus1600, according to an implementation. The flexible members 1600 are oneexample of the flexible member 110, 112, 114 or 116. The flexiblemembers 1600 include a plurality of flexible members 1602, 1604, 1606,1608 and 1610. Each of the flexible members 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 and1610 vary and are different from each other in regards to elasticity.The elasticity of the flexible members 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 and 1610is color coded.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a flexible member of an exercise apparatus1700, according to an implementation. The flexible member 1700 is oneexample of the flexible member 110, 112, 114 or 116. Flexible member1700 includes a clip 1702 at least one of the ends. The clip 1702 iscompatible with a wire handle design or individual eye hook fastener onthe frame.

Method

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method 1800 of installing the pressuremounted storage apparatus, according to an implementation. Method 1800includes instructing, educating or suggesting exercise routines of over100 separate exercises of an exercise apparatus having flexible membersthat are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members, in which theexercise routines are packaged in a shuffle mode option so that a seriesof activities will seldom if at all reproduce itself for the effect ofmuscle confusion conditioning, at block 1802.

Hardware and Operating Environment

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment 1900in which different implementations can be practiced. The description ofFIG. 19 provides an overview of computer hardware and a suitablecomputing environment in conjunction with which some implementations canbe implemented. Implementations are described in terms of a computerexecuting computer-executable instructions. However, someimplementations can be implemented entirely in computer hardware inwhich the computer-executable instructions are implemented in read-onlymemory. Some implementations can also be implemented in client/servercomputing environments where remote devices that perform tasks arelinked through a communications network. Program modules can be locatedin both local and remote memory storage devices in a distributedcomputing environment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a general computer environment 1900,in accordance with an implementation of the disclosed subject matter.The general computer environment 1900 includes a computation device 1902capable of implementing the processes described herein. It will beappreciated that other devices can alternatively used that include morecomponents, or fewer components, than those illustrated in FIG. 19.

The illustrated operating environment 1900 is only one example of asuitable operating environment, and the example described with referenceto FIG. 19 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope ofuse or functionality of the implementations of this disclosure. Otherwell-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations can besuitable for implementation and/or application of the subject matterdisclosed herein.

The computation device 1902 includes one or more processors orprocessing units 1904, a system memory 1906, and a bus 1908 that couplesvarious system components including the system memory 1906 toprocessor(s) 1904 and other elements in the environment 1900. The bus1908 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures, and can be compatible with SCSI (smallcomputer system interconnect), or other conventional bus architecturesand protocols.

The system memory 1906 includes nonvolatile read-only memory (ROM) 1910and random access memory (RAM) 1912, which can or can not includevolatile memory elements. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 1914,containing the elementary routines that help to transfer informationbetween elements within computation device 1902 and with external items,typically invoked into operating memory during start-up, is stored inROM 1910.

The computation device 1902 further can include a non-volatileread/write memory 1916, represented in FIG. 19 as a hard disk drive,coupled to bus 1908 via a data media interface 1917 (e.g., a SCSI, ATA,or other type of interface); a magnetic disk drive (not shown) forreading from, and/or writing to, a removable magnetic disk 1920 and anoptical disk drive (not shown) for reading from, and/or writing to, aremovable optical disk 1926 such as a CD, DVD, or other optical media.

The non-volatile read/write memory 1916 and associated computer-readablemedia provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules and other data for the computationdevice 1902. Although the exemplary environment 1900 is described hereinas employing a non-volatile read/write memory 1916, a removable magneticdisk 1920 and a removable optical disk 1926, it will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of computer-readable mediawhich can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magneticcassettes, FLASH memory cards, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROM), and the like, can also be used in the exemplaryoperating environment.

A number of program modules can be stored via the non-volatileread/write memory 1916, magnetic disk 1920, optical disk 1926, ROM 1910,or RAM 1912, including an operating system 1930, one or more applicationprograms 1932, other program modules 1934 and program data 1936.Examples of computer operating systems conventionally employed for sometypes of three-dimensional and/or two-dimensional medical image datainclude the NUCLEUS® operating system, the LINUX® operating system, andothers, for example, providing capability for supporting applicationprograms 1932 using, for example, code modules written in the C++®computer programming language.

A user can enter commands and information into computation device 1902through input devices such as input media 1938 (e.g., keyboard/keypad,tactile input or pointing device, mouse, foot-operated switchingapparatus, joystick, touchscreen or touchpad, microphone, antenna etc.).Such input devices 1938 are coupled to the processing unit 1904 througha conventional input/output interface 1942 that is, in turn, coupled tothe system bus. A monitor 1950 or other type of display device is alsocoupled to the system bus 1908 via an interface, such as a video adapter1952.

The computation device 1902 can include capability for operating in anetworked environment using logical connections to one or more remotecomputers, such as a remote computer 1960. The remote computer 1960 canbe a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer deviceor other common network node, and typically includes many or all of theelements described above relative to the computation device 1902. In anetworked environment, program modules depicted relative to thecomputation device 1902, or portions thereof, can be stored in a remotememory storage device such as can be associated with the remote computer1960. By way of example, remote application programs 1962 reside on amemory device of the remote computer 1960. The logical connectionsrepresented in FIG. 19 can include interface capabilities a storage areanetwork (SAN, not illustrated in FIG. 19), local area network (LAN) 1972and/or a wide area network (WAN) 1974, but can also include othernetworks.

Such networking environments are commonplace in modern computer systems,and in association with intranets and the Internet. In certainimplementations, the computation device 1902 executes an Internet Webbrowser program (which can optionally be integrated into the operatingsystem 1930), such as the “Internet Explorer®” Web browser manufacturedand distributed by the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.

When used in a LAN-coupled environment, the computation device 1902communicates with or through the local area network 1972 via a networkinterface or adapter 1976. When used in a WAN-coupled environment, thecomputation device 1902 typically includes interfaces, such as a modem1978, or other apparatus, for establishing communications with orthrough the WAN 1974, such as the Internet. The modem 1978, which can beinternal or external, is coupled to the system bus 1908 via a serialport interface.

In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to thecomputation device 1902, or portions thereof, can be stored in remotememory apparatus. It will be appreciated that the network connectionsshown are exemplary, and other means of establishing a communicationslink between various computer systems and elements can be used.

A user of a computer can operate in a networked environment 1900 usinglogical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remotecomputer 1960, which can be a personal computer, a server, a router, anetwork PC, a peer device or other common network node. Typically, aremote computer 1960 includes many or all of the elements describedabove relative to the computer 1900 of FIG. 19.

The computation device 1902 typically includes at least some form ofcomputer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any availablemedia that can be accessed by the computation device 1902. By way ofexample, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprisecomputer storage media and communication media.

Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media, implemented in any method or technology for storageof information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. The term “computer storage media”includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory or othermemory technology, CD, DVD, or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other media which can be used to storecomputer-intelligible information and which can be accessed by thecomputation device 1902.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data, represented via, anddeterminable from, a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave orother transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more ofits characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal in a fashion amenable to computerinterpretation.

By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wiredmedia, such as wired network or direct-wired connections, and wirelessmedia, such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Thescope of the term computer-readable media includes combinations of anyof the above.

Method 1800 components can be embodied as computer hardware circuitry oras a computer-readable program, or a combination of both. In anotherimplementation, method 1800 is implemented in an application serviceprovider (ASP) system.

More specifically, in the computer-readable program implementation, theprograms can be structured in an object-orientation using anobject-oriented language such as Java, Smalltalk or C++, and theprograms can be structured in a procedural-orientation using aprocedural language such as COBOL or C. The software componentscommunicate in any of a number of means that are well-known to thoseskilled in the art, such as application program interfaces (API) orinterprocess communication techniques such as remote procedure call(RPC), common object request broker architecture (CORBA), ComponentObject Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM),Distributed System Object Model (DSOM) and Remote Method Invocation(RMI). The components execute on as few as one computer as in generalcomputer environment 1900 in FIG. 19, or on at least as many computersas there are components.

The implementations described below generally relate to a mobilewireless communication device, hereafter referred to as a mobile device,which can be configured according to an IT policy. It should be notedthat the term IT policy, in general, refers to a collection of IT policyrules, in which the IT policy rules can be defined as being eithergrouped or non-grouped and global or per-user. The terms grouped,non-grouped, global and per-user are defined further below. Examples ofapplicable communication devices include pagers, cellular phones,cellular smart-phones, wireless organizers, personal digital assistants,computers, laptops, handheld wireless communication devices, wirelesslyenabled notebook computers and the like.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a mobile device 2000, according to animplementation. The mobile device is a two-way communication device withadvanced data communication capabilities including the capability tocommunicate with other mobile devices or computer systems through anetwork of transceiver stations. The mobile device may also have thecapability to allow voice communication. Depending on the functionalityprovided by the mobile device, it may be referred to as a data messagingdevice, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messagingcapabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communicationdevice (with or without telephony capabilities).

Mobile device 2000 is one implementation of mobile device 106 in FIG. 1.The mobile device 2000 includes a number of components such as a mainprocessor 2002 that controls the overall operation of the mobile device2000. Communication functions, including data and voice communications,are performed through a communication subsystem 2004. The communicationsubsystem 2004 receives messages from and sends messages to wirelessnetworks 2005. Other implementations of the mobile device 2000, thecommunication subsystem 2004 can be configured in accordance with theGlobal System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet RadioServices (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Universal MobileTelecommunications Service (UMTS), data-centric wireless networks,voice-centric wireless networks, and dual-mode networks that can supportboth voice and data communications over the same physical base stations.Combined dual-mode networks include, but are not limited to, CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA) or CDMA2000 networks, GSM/GPRS networks(as mentioned above), and future third-generation (3G) networks likeEDGE and UMTS. Some other examples of data-centric networks includeMobitex™ and DataTAC™ network communication systems. Examples of othervoice-centric data networks include Personal Communication Systems (PCS)networks like GSM and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems.

The wireless link connecting the communication subsystem 2004 with thewireless network 2005 represents one or more different Radio Frequency(RF) channels. With newer network protocols, these channels are capableof supporting both circuit switched voice communications and packetswitched data communications.

The main processor 2002 also interacts with additional subsystems suchas a Random Access Memory (RAM) 2006, a flash memory 2008, a display2010, an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem 2012, a data port 2014,a keyboard 2016, a speaker 2018, a microphone 2020, short-rangecommunications 2022 and other device subsystems 2024. The configurationdata 108, the diagnostic results 112 and the calibration results 116 isreceived by the communication subsystem 2004 and transferred by the mainprocessor 2002 to the flash memory 2008. The diagnostic instructions 110and the calibration instructions 114 is also transferred by the mainprocessor 2002 from the flash memory 2008 through the cable 102.

Some of the subsystems of the mobile device 2000 performcommunication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide“resident” or on-device functions. By way of example, the display 2010and the keyboard 2016 may be used for both communication-relatedfunctions, such as entering a text message for transmission over thewireless network 2005, and device-resident functions such as acalculator or task list.

The mobile device 2000 can transmit and receive communication signalsover the wireless network 2005 after required network registration oractivation procedures have been completed. Network access is associatedwith a subscriber or user of the mobile device 2000. To identify asubscriber, the mobile device 2000 requires a SIM/RUIM card 2026 (i.e.Subscriber Identity Module or a Removable User Identity Module) to beinserted into a SIM/RUIM interface 2028 in order to communicate with anetwork. The SIM card or RUIM 2026 is one type of a conventional “smartcard” that can be used to identify a subscriber of the mobile device2000 and to personalize the mobile device 2000, among other things.Without the SIM card 2026, the mobile device 2000 is not fullyoperational for communication with the wireless network 2005. Byinserting the SIM card/RUIM 2026 into the SIM/RUIM interface 2028, asubscriber can access all subscribed services. Services may include: webbrowsing and messaging such as e-mail, voice mail, Short Message Service(SMS), and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS). More advanced servicesmay include: point of sale, field service and sales force automation.The SIM card/RUIM 2026 includes a processor and memory for storinginformation. Once the SIM card/RUIM 2026 is inserted into the SIM/RUIMinterface 2028, it is coupled to the main processor 2002. In order toidentify the subscriber, the SIM card/RUIM 2026 can include some userparameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).An advantage of using the SIM card/RUIM 2026 is that a subscriber is notnecessarily bound by any single physical mobile device. The SIMcard/RUIM 2026 may store additional subscriber information for a mobiledevice as well, including datebook (or calendar) information and recentcall information. Alternatively, user identification information canalso be programmed into the flash memory 2008.

The mobile device 2000 is a battery-powered device and includes abattery interface 2032 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries2030. In one or more implementations, the battery 2030 can be a smartbattery with an embedded microprocessor. The battery interface 2032 iscoupled to a regulator 2033, which assists the battery 2030 in providingpower V+to the mobile device 2000. Although current technology makes useof a battery, future technologies such as micro fuel cells may providethe power to the mobile device 2000.

The mobile device 2000 also includes an operating system 2034 andsoftware components 2036 to 2046 which are described in more detailbelow. The operating system 2034 and the software components 2036 to2046 that are executed by the main processor 2002 are typically storedin a persistent store such as the flash memory 2008, which mayalternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element(not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that portions ofthe operating system 2034 and the software components 2036 to 2046, suchas specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarilyloaded into a volatile store such as the RAM 2006. Other softwarecomponents can also be included.

The subset of software applications 2036 that control basic deviceoperations, including data and voice communication applications, willnormally be installed on the mobile device 2000 during its manufacture.Other software applications include a message application 2038 that canbe any suitable software program that allows a user of the mobile device2000 to transmit and receive electronic messages. Various alternativesexist for the message application 2038 as is well known to those skilledin the art. Messages that have been sent or received by the user aretypically stored in the flash memory 2008 of the mobile device 2000 orsome other suitable storage element in the mobile device 2000. In one ormore implementations, some of the sent and received messages may bestored remotely from the device 2000 such as in a data store of anassociated host system with which the mobile device 2000 communicates.

The software applications can further include a device state module2040, a Personal Information Manager (PIM) 2042, and other suitablemodules (not shown). The device state module 2040 provides persistence,i.e. the device state module 2040 ensures that important device data isstored in persistent memory, such as the flash memory 2008, so that thedata is not lost when the mobile device 2000 is turned off or losespower.

The PIM 2042 includes functionality for organizing and managing dataitems of interest to the user, such as, but not limited to, e-mail,contacts, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. APIM application has the ability to transmit and receive data items viathe wireless network 2005. PIM data items may be seamlessly integrated,synchronized, and updated via the wireless network 2005 with the mobiledevice subscriber's corresponding data items stored and/or associatedwith a host computer system. This functionality creates a mirrored hostcomputer on the mobile device 2000 with respect to such items. This canbe particularly advantageous when the host computer system is the mobiledevice subscriber's office computer system.

The mobile device 2000 also includes a connect module 2044, and an ITpolicy module 2046. The connect module 2044 implements the communicationprotocols that are required for the mobile device 2000 to communicatewith the wireless infrastructure and any host system, such as anenterprise system, with which the mobile device 2000 is authorized tointerface. Examples of a wireless infrastructure and an enterprisesystem are given in FIGS. 21 and 22, which are described in more detailbelow.

The connect module 2044 includes a set of APIs that can be integratedwith the mobile device 2000 to allow the mobile device 2000 to use anynumber of services associated with the enterprise system. The connectmodule 2044 allows the mobile device 2000 to establish an end-to-endsecure, authenticated communication pipe with the host system. A subsetof applications for which access is provided by the connect module 2044can be used to pass IT policy commands from the host system to themobile device 2000. This can be done in a wireless or wired manner.These instructions can then be passed to the IT policy module 2046 tomodify the configuration of the device 2000. Alternatively, in somecases, the IT policy update can also be done over a wired connection.

The IT policy module 2046 receives IT policy data that encodes the ITpolicy. The IT policy module 2046 then ensures that the IT policy datais authenticated by the mobile device 2000. The IT policy data can thenbe stored in the flash memory 2006 in its native form. After the ITpolicy data is stored, a global notification can be sent by the ITpolicy module 2046 to all of the applications residing on the mobiledevice 2000. Applications for which the IT policy may be applicable thenrespond by reading the IT policy data to look for IT policy rules thatare applicable.

The IT policy module 2046 can include a parser 2047, which can be usedby the applications to read the IT policy rules. In some cases, anothermodule or application can provide the parser. Grouped IT policy rules,described in more detail below, are retrieved as byte streams, which arethen sent (recursively) into the parser to determine the values of eachIT policy rule defined within the grouped IT policy rule. In one or moreimplementations, the IT policy module 2046 can determine whichapplications are affected by the IT policy data and transmit anotification to only those applications. In either of these cases, forapplications that are not being executed by the main processor 2002 atthe time of the notification, the applications can call the parser orthe IT policy module 2046 when the applications are executed todetermine if there are any relevant IT policy rules in the newlyreceived IT policy data.

After the IT policy rules have been applied to the applicableapplications or configuration files, the IT policy module 2046 sends anacknowledgement back to the host system to indicate that the IT policydata was received and successfully applied.

Other types of software applications can also be installed on the mobiledevice 2000. These software applications can be third partyapplications, which are added after the manufacture of the mobile device2000. Examples of third party applications include games, calculators,utilities, etc.

The additional applications can be loaded onto the mobile device 2000through at least one of the wireless network 2005, the auxiliary I/Osubsystem 2012, the data port 2014, the short-range communicationssubsystem 2022, or any other suitable device subsystem 2024. Thisflexibility in application installation increases the functionality ofthe mobile device 2000 and may provide enhanced on-device functions,communication-related functions, or both. For example, securecommunication applications may enable electronic commerce functions andother such financial transactions to be performed using the mobiledevice 2000.

The data port 2014 enables a subscriber to set preferences through anexternal device or software application and extends the capabilities ofthe mobile device 2000 by providing for information or softwaredownloads to the mobile device 2000 other than through a wirelesscommunication network. The alternate download path may, for example, beused to load an encryption key onto the mobile device 2000 through adirect and thus reliable and trusted connection to provide secure devicecommunication.

The data port 2014 can be any suitable port that enables datacommunication between the mobile device 2000 and another computingdevice. The data port 2014 can be a serial or a parallel port. In someinstances, the data port 2014 can be a USB port that includes data linesfor data transfer and a supply line that can provide a charging currentto charge the battery 2030 of the mobile device 2000.

The short-range communications subsystem 2022 provides for communicationbetween the mobile device 2000 and different systems or devices, withoutthe use of the wireless network 2005. For example, the subsystem 2022may include an infrared device and associated circuits and componentsfor short-range communication. Examples of short-range communicationstandards include standards developed by the Infrared Data Association(IrDA), Bluetooth, and the 802.11 family of standards developed by IEEE.

In use, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, orweb page download will be processed by the communication subsystem 2004and input to the main processor 2002. The main processor 2002 will thenprocess the received signal for output to the display 2010 oralternatively to the auxiliary I/O subsystem 2012. A subscriber may alsocompose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using thekeyboard 2016 in conjunction with the display 2010 and possibly theauxiliary I/O subsystem 2012. The auxiliary subsystem 2012 may includedevices such as: a touch screen, mouse, track ball, infrared fingerprintdetector, or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressing capability. Thekeyboard 2016 is preferably an alphanumeric keyboard and/ortelephone-type keypad. However, other types of keyboards may also beused. A composed item may be transmitted over the wireless network 2005through the communication subsystem 2004.

For voice communications, the overall operation of the mobile device2000 is substantially similar, except that the received signals areoutput to the speaker 2018, and signals for transmission are generatedby the microphone 2020. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, suchas a voice message recording subsystem, can also be implemented on themobile device 2000. Although voice or audio signal output isaccomplished primarily through the speaker 2018, the display 2010 canalso be used to provide additional information such as the identity of acalling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call relatedinformation.

In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that thenames of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limitimplementations. Furthermore, additional methods and apparatus can beadded to the components, functions can be rearranged among thecomponents, and new components to correspond to future enhancements andphysical devices used in implementations can be introduced withoutdeparting from the scope of implementations. One of skill in the artwill readily recognize that implementations are applicable to futuredrawers, different pivots, and new moveable mounts.

CONCLUSION

The terminology used in this application is meant to include all pivotarms and compression pads and alternate technologies which provide thesame functionality as described herein.

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: an elongated section comprising: asubstantially unbendable member having a first end, a middle and asecond end; and a substantially elastic member having a first end, amiddle and a second end, wherein the first end of the substantiallyunbendable member being fixed to the first end of the substantiallyelastic member, wherein the second end of the substantially unbendablemember being fixed to the second end of the substantially elasticmember, wherein the middle of the substantially elastic member is notfixed to the middle of the substantially unbendable member.
 2. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first elongatedsection; a second elongated section, wherein the first end of thesubstantially unbendable member of the first elongated section is fixedto the second end of the substantially unbendable member of the secondelongated section; a third elongated section, wherein the first end ofthe substantially unbendable member of the second section is fixed tothe second end of the substantially unbendable member of the thirdelongated section; a fourth elongated section, wherein the first end ofthe substantially unbendable member of the third section is fixed to thesecond end of the substantially unbendable member of the fourthelongated section; and wherein the first end of the substantiallyunbendable member of the fourth elongated section is fixed to the secondend of the substantially unbendable member of the first elongatedsection.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the firstelongated section, the second elongated section, the third elongatedsection and the fourth elongated section have equal dimensions.
 4. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially elastic memberfurther comprises: a plurality of substantially elastic members.
 5. Theexercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of substantiallyelastic members further comprise: unequal elasticity to each of theother plurality of substantially elastic member.
 6. The exerciseapparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially unbendable memberfurther comprises: metal.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe substantially unbendable member further comprises: plastic.
 8. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially unbendablemember further comprises: wood.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1,wherein the substantially unbendable member further comprises: the firstend of the substantially unbendable member being fixed to the first endof the substantially elastic member on a first side of the substantiallyunbendable member; and a wall mount on a second side of thesubstantially unbendable member, wherein the first side of thesubstantially unbendable member is opposite to the second side of thesubstantially unbendable member.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1,wherein the exercise apparatus further comprises: no other apparatusattached to the exercise apparatus.
 11. An exercise apparatuscomprising: an equilateral frame comprising a plurality of substantiallyunbendable members, each member having a first end, a middle and asecond end, each substantially unbendable member having a substantiallyelastic member with a first end, a middle and a second end, wherein thefirst end of the substantially unbendable member being fixed to thesecond end of the substantially elastic member, wherein the second endof the substantially unbendable member being fixed to the second end ofthe substantially elastic member, wherein the middle of thesubstantially elastic member is not fixed to the middle of thesubstantially unbendable member.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11,wherein the equilateral frame further comprises: a quadrilateral frame.13. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of thesubstantially elastic members further comprises a plurality ofsubstantially elastic members and wherein the plurality of substantiallyelastic members further comprises: unequal elasticity to each of theother plurality of substantially elastic members.
 14. The exerciseapparatus of claim 13, wherein the substantially unbendable memberfurther comprises: metal.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 11,wherein the substantially unbendable member further comprises: plastic.16. An exercise apparatus comprising: a quadrilateral frame comprising aplurality of inflexible members, each inflexible member having aflexible member, wherein ends of the flexible members are fixed only toends of the inflexible members.
 17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16,wherein each member has a first end, a middle and a second end, whereinthe first end of the inflexible member being fixed to the first end ofthe flexible member, wherein the second end of the inflexible memberbeing fixed to the second end of the flexible member, wherein the middleof the flexible member is not fixed to the middle of the inflexiblemember.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the inflexiblemember further comprises: the first end of the inflexible member beingfixed to the first end of the flexible member on a first side of theinflexible member; and a wall mount on a second side of the inflexiblemember, wherein the first side of the inflexible member is opposite tothe second side of the inflexible member.
 19. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein each of the flexible members further comprises aplurality of flexible members wherein the plurality of flexible membersfurther comprises: unequal elasticity to each of the other plurality ofinflexible member.
 20. The exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein theinflexible member further comprises: plastic.